Obituary of Ernest Bartz

Ernest "Ernie" Bartz passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich, NY. Ernie was born November 29, 1928 in the Town of Sidney to Jacob and Marjorie (Brown) Bartz. He graduated from Sidney Central School with the Class of 1945. Ernie married Virginia "Ginny" Ashton on May 13, 1950 in Sidney Center. They ran a dairy farm together in Sidney Center for over thirty years. After retiring from farming, Ernie sold real estate for another 30 years. He remained an active part of his community volunteering for the Office of the Aging and other community organizations. Ernie was a long-time member of the Sidney Center United Methodist Church until it burned in October, 2009. Most recently he was a founding member of the Sidney Center Friends and Family Church. Ernie was a member of the Delaware County Electric Coop Board of Directors for 37 years serving as Secretary, Vice President and President of the Board. He was also a tax assessor for the Town of Masonville for several years. Ernie had a great love of music. He sang with the Vermont based Yankee Male Chorus for twenty-five years, the Barnstormers, Delaware County Men's Choir, Midstatesmen Barbershop and various church cantatas. In addition to music Ernie and Ginny enjoyed square and ballroom dancing. Ernie and Ginny were long time members of the Leatherstocking J's camping club. Recently he was a member of the Tri-County Squares. Ernie is survived by his children; Dan (Laura) and Tim (Michelle). He is also survived by grandchildren: Ryan (Sarah) Bartz, Nathan (Heather) Bartz, Justin Bartz, Jacob (Breanna) Bartz, Emily (Joshua) Hutchinson and Naomi (Jared) Sittig and his great-grandsons Hudson Bartz, Asher Bartz and Simeon Bartz. He is also survived by "sister" Lucy (Robert) Ingalls, brother-in-law Dusty (Tina) Ashton, sisters-in-law Maxine Bartz and Betsy Bartz. Also surviving are several cousins, nieces, nephews and friend Paula. Ernie was predeceased by his wife Ginny of 62 years, son Stephen Bartz, brothers James Bartz and Harold Bartz, sisters-in-law Hazel (Herbert) Hoy and Betty (Stewart) Wilcox. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, July 28, 2019 from 1:00-3:00 PM at C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, 21 Main St. Sidney NY. A funeral service will be held at the Sidney United Methodist Church, 12 Liberty St. Sidney on Monday, July 29th at 11:00 AM with graveside services in Highland Cemetery, Sidney Center beginning at 2:00 PM. Donations in his memory may be made to the Sidney Center Friends and Family Church, the Delaware Valley Humane Society or an Emergency Squad of your choice. Share condolences and memories with the family online at www.landersfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of C.H. Landers Funeral Chapel, Sidney.